Posts Categorized: Windows CE

Announcing the Topaz SO-DIMM module

TopazSO-DIMM

Meet the latest addition to the device solutions module family: the Topaz i.MX25 CPU module in a plug-in, 200-pin SO-DIMM form factor.

This is the same circuit as the surface-mount version, so transitioning a design from one to the other is easy.

It also has the same world-class operating system support for Windows Embedded CE from GuruCE and Linux from Trygtech.

The new form-factor offers excellent flexibility for prototyping new designs, and makes production easier – especially for low-volume products. The surface-mount module is still available and ideal for applications that need a low profile module, or operate in high-vibration environments.

The Topaz web page has all the details including an updated Technical Reference Manual and schematic library symbols.

Contact us for samples – they are in stock now!

Announcing the Opal i.MX53 CPU Module

Module-TopWe are very pleased to announce the Opal i.MX53 CPU Module and Development Kit.

Opal is based on the Freescale i.MX53 processor, and includes up to 1GB DDR3 RAM, NAND flash, power management and an Ethernet PHY. It uses two 168-pin HiRose connectors to interface to a product-specific board.

Opal is perfect for devices that have demanding graphics requirements. The i.MX53 supports multiple displays, and includes outputs for TFT LCD panels with parallel and LVDS interfaces, as well as support for analog VGA. There is hardware acceleration for video as well as 2D and 3D graphics up to 1080p.

Connectivity highlights include Ethernet, USB and FlexCAN, as well as the usual embedded interfaces like serial, I2C and SPI.

Module-BottomOpal is a 60mmx60mm plug-in module. With complex processors like the i.MX53, it can be difficult to strike a balance between exposing all the features, system cost, physical size and mechanical strength. We think the Opal form-factor achieves this for the types of industrial, automotive and medical devices our customers create.

For the development kit, we have gone with the “more is more” approach :-) and included Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. There is also support for 2 LVDS panels (you can connect the Freescale 10.1″ panel used for the Quick Start Board), 7″ touch-screen LCD, CAN transceivers and digital I/O.

Another feature we hope will be useful on the development kit is the USB to serial converter for the debug serial port – you no longer have to go looking for your adapter!

Initial operating system support will be for Windows Embedded Compact 7 from GuruCE, with Linux and Android to follow from Trygtech.

We will have hardware available in July for beta customers with full availability shortly after that. If you think Opal might fit your application we would love to hear from you, and get you on the list for a beta unit.

FAQ: Designing with Device Solutions Processor Modules

OpalModule-Top  TopazCPUModule-Top  TopazSO-DIMM

Designing with a processor module is about more than making sure the technical specs meet your needs.  Hardware and software design support are essential to making projects successful.

We have put together some of the frequently asked questions to give you an idea of how the design process works with our modules.  It includes hardware design and the support we provide, operating system support and how that is delivered in conjunction with our software partners, and manufacturing questions.

We are pretty sure this document is not going to answer all your questions, but even if it does, we would love to talk to you about your project

Partners

 

Partners

“Focus on what you are good at” is a message we give our customers all the time.  When designing embedded products, starting with a processor module lets you do just that.  We try to do the same in our business, and partner with other companies so that we can focus on designing and manufacturing the best modules.

We recently added a Partners page to our web site that highlights the companies we are working with.  Some have been visible on our web site before, like GuruCE and Trygtech who provide Operating System ports. 

A new section is our System Integrators.  These are companies who have experience in designing with our modules and provide turn-key product development. If you are looking for help with your new project, get in touch directly or contact us for an introduction.

Opal Videos

We have created a couple of videos demonstrating specific features on the Opal Development Kit.  They cover the display options, and the USB/Serial debug interface we have on the kit.

There are some more videos in the works which will be online in January.  If there is anything specific you want us to highlight in future videos, let us know!

Display Options

USB/Serial Debug Feature

Using Digital I/O on the Opal i.M53 Development Kit

The Opal Development Kit has several I/O features to make prototyping applications easy.  These include: 4 x protected digital inputs,  4 x 5V digital outputs, 2 push-buttons and 2 LEDs.  

This video shows how easy it is to get developing with these features. 

  • [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HANgLA0CpNQ&w=448&h=252&hd=1]

The source code for the Windows Embedded Compact 7 demo application is available here.

Windows Embedded Compact 7 on Topaz

GuruCE has released a new BSP which includes support for Windows Embedded Compact 7 on Topaz.

The release also includes an update to the Windows CE 6.0 R3 BSP and the Topaz Flasher application.

You can download a binary image and a binary BSP for free, with the source code available when you purchase support.

GuruCE has done a lot of work on the BSP and it now includes enhanced support for many of the devices on the i.MX25, including a comprehensive GPIO driver.  For a small fee there are also a suite of managed wrappers making it very easy to access hardware from your Compact Framework application.

FlexCAN on the Opal i.MX53 Development Kit

The Opal Development Kit makes it easy to interface to devices on a CAN bus.  It has CAN transceivers on-board, and push-wire connectors so you can get developing fast. 

This video has more details, along with a Windows Embedded Compact 7 demo.  The demo source code is available here.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfiygp6s4Mw&w=448&h=252&hd=1]

The GuruCE FlexCAN driver is also included in the Windows CE 6.0 BSP for the Topaz i.MX25 CPU module.